Friday, September 02, 2016

This is updated version of my original post. I purchased additional modem that's externally identical to old one but had different serial port USB ID (USB\VID_12D1&PID_1442&MI_00) missing from earlier driver pack causing original instructions to fail. I have also included latest Stick-mode firmware 21.200.07.00.805 I've found and corrected some incorrect information on original post.

Modern Huawei USB LTE modems can be used in two very different modes. Default is HiLink mode where it functions as router doing NAT and other nastiness much like more traditional 4G routers connected over WLAN or Ethernet. Unsurprisingly default mode is HiLink, but luckily it can be changed to Stick mode getting rid at least one layer of NAT and related issues.

Actually there's also third mode which is subset of Stick, instead of native NCM interface it uses legacy PPP over emulated serial port. This can be sometimes useful with older routers with USB port but you won't be able to reach full speed in this mode.

Internet has plenty of information on how to do that. As it often is not all of that is true. Most interesting bits are also written in Russian. Despite huge improvements in translations from Google Translate it's still a bit of hit and miss.

Following these instructions will also resolve Error Code 19 and "brick" with Error Code 13 (rapidly flashing green led). Which is also why some steps may seem bit pointless at first. Feel free to skip them and then start again from beginning when Mr Error #19 and Mrs. Error #13 bite you. :)